Friday, January 31, 2014

I love heart-tugging, heart-pulling movies and Seasons of Gray is one of those movies. It doesn't matter if you're a Christian, this is a movie the whole family should watch together. It will open your mind, heart, eyes, and soul.

"Seasons of Gray: A Modern Day Joseph Story" tells the beloved biblical tale of Joseph in a relevant and modern way that reaches all audiences. The film is available on DVD.

The compelling story of Brady Gray (played by Andrew Cheney), the favored son of a two-time widower, begins on location at a Texas ranch. After Brady's father lavishes him with accolades and gifts, his half-brothers, fed up with his privileged position, force him off the family ranch with a stern warning to never return.

What lies ahead is a roller coaster of ups and downs as Brady goes from restoring his life in a new town, obtaining a job and developing a love interest, to being wrongly accused of sexual assault and thrown in jail. Throughout the story, despite questioning his life's purpose and plan, Brady remains devoted to his faith and learns the true meaning of forgiveness.

"Seasons of Gray" is a Christian film that non-believers can also enjoy. Parents can use the film as an educational tool with their high school children, the film is also a valuable tool for churches and pastors to use in reaching their community with relevant and modern content that directly correlates with the bible.

Reviewers have praised the strong performances and high production values in "Seasons of Gray" calling the film "riveting," "engaging," and "a powerful presentation." For reviews of "Seaons of Gray," please visit, http://www.seasonsofgray.com/reviews/.

One lucky Parenting with Purpose reader will win a copy of Seasons of Gray. All you have to do is enter on the Rafflecopter below.

Pamela Jensen is proud to host a blog tour for her children’s activity book,Reverently Quietly from January 15–31.

When the wiggles come and boredom strikes, it can be difficult for little ones to sit through long church meetings. Reverently, Quietly not only keeps boredom at bay, but also instructs and invites the Spirit. Containing drawing activities, matching games, and coloring pages, all Church-centered, this is a quiet book that all children will enjoy!

Meet the Author:

Pamela R. Jensen was born into a family of 10 children, she was the oldest girl and second child. She spent a majority of her childhood entertaining her younger siblings. Drawing has always been apart of who she is, always sketching anything and everything. She can remember getting into trouble for drawing on the walls. She now lives with her husband a retired farmer and miner in Grantsville, UT. They have five children, and ten grandchildren who love to draw with grandma. I sketch and draw because I can’t stop. She tells her grandchildren, put a pencil or a pen in my hand and it automatically starts to draw, almost without thinking. She has made some pretty impressive doodles in her time.

As any parent can tell you, getting your child to set still in church can be overwhelming and exhausting, but with Pamela R. Jensen's children’s activity book Reverently Quietly, kids no longer wiggle in the pews. My grandson is over-active at church and this little book is the perfect solution for the wiggles. He loved all the activities and I loved the peace and quite!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Disclosure: I'm a Purex Insider and received a free product from Purex.

As a mom, there's nothing worse than stinky boy laundry! I've tried different products but nothing ever worked until I discovered Purex Crystals Mountain Breeze. The fresh, crisp scent refreshes laundry and actually takes the stink out of my grandson's clothes. The scent stays with your clothes for several days and you'll think you're in the fresh mountain air!Purex Crystals are 87% natural crystals that go in at the start of the wash, so they spend more time with your laundry infusing them with long-lasting freshness.One of the great things I love about Purex is it's a company you can trust with all your laundry needs, the products are gentle and available in most stores. If you have stinky laundry, be sure to pick up a bottle of Purex Crystals Mountain Breeze Crystals in the laundry aisle. Three lucky readers will win a coupon for a free bottle of Purex Crystals Mountain Breeze Crystals. US only ends 2/13.Purex is also giving away $500 in the Over The Mountain and Through the Woods Sweepstakes!

Close your eyes and take a trip to the fresh, open mountains where flowers bloom, birds sing, and gentle breezes are sure to put a smile on your face. Experience one of our most popular fragrances in the new Crystals format and enter to win the grand prize today!

One grand prize winner will receive $500 and 100 additional winners will receive a coupon for a free bottle of NEW Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze. Purex Crystals go in at the start of the wash and infuses your clothes with freshness that lasts for not just days but weeks!

Eligibility

The “Getting Crafty with Borax” Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia, who are at least eighteen (18) years old at time of entry. Employees, officers and representatives of The Dial Corporation (“Sponsor”) and Zooka Creative (“Administrator”), their respective parent companies, affiliates, franchisees, licensees, distributors, suppliers, subsidiaries, retailers, advertising/promotion agencies (collectively, “Released Parties”) and members of the immediate family (mother, father, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and spouse, regardless of where they reside) and household members of each such employee, officer or representative, whether or not related, are not eligible to participate. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Promotion Period

Sweepstakes starts on or about 12:00 PM Pacific Time (“PT”) on December 19, 2013 and ends at 3:00 PM PT on February 28, 2014 (“Promotion Period”). All time referenced herein is Pacific Time. Administrator’s clock is the official time keeping device for the Promotion.

Want to make your own custom ornaments for your Christmas tree this year?

Make a Borax Formation.

Do you like to make your own candles?

Learn how Borax can apply a special treatment for the wicks that will help reduce ash and eliminate smoke problems.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

About the Books

Title: Riley's Lost Tooth Author: Diane Cantrell Illustrator: Heather Castles Publication Date: February 16, 2010 Publisher: Brown Books Publishing Group Number of pages: 24 Recommended age: 4+
Summary:
Oh no! One of Sunday's very favorite humans, Riley, has lost her tooth! But where did it go? How did she lose it? Why does no one besides Sunday seem to care? It isn't long before the tooth fairy steps in and tries to teach the pups all about growing up. Join Sunday and her two puppy-pals, Precious and Mr. Lee, as they try to hunt down . . . Riley s lost tooth!

The Buzz

Riley's Lost Tooth: "The book is well written and the illustrations are beautiful. The book will definitely appeal to all children (including children at heart like this reviewer) and their parents / grandparents / elder siblings and other care givers. The book is strongly recommended as a good gift that is educational and also entertaining." ~ 5 Star Review, S.V. Swamy, Amazon

Good-bye Baby Max: "This book is amazing! I have given it as several gifts to my friends with children. It is very well written and the illustrations are fun and colorful. This book it a great tool to help parents and teachers talk to children about loss of a pet and a loved one in general. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!" ~ 5 Star Review, Dawn N., Amazon

Good-bye Baby Max: "This colorful, hardcover children’s title Good-bye, Baby Max (Bridgeway Books, Texas, 2007) by Diane Cantrell & Heather Castles is special in its purpose of teaching an invaluable lesson: that of properly saying the final farewell to a loved one who is no more ... Diane Cantrell has created a very purposeful book for children-one that is at once a story, a poem, and a healthy course of helping children get over grief. The book’s illustrations by Heather Castles are very appealing to a child’s imagination. There is a good deal here in Good-bye, Baby Max to learn for children ages 4 to 8 years and the 32-pages book is a must read for all kids of this age category." ~ Ernest Dempsey, Book Corner

Good-bye Baby Max: "I bought this book to help my nieces and nephews deal with the loss of a beloved pet. The storyline and illustrations were used as a springboard to discuss their own loss. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has young children and is looking for a way to help them cope with a loss in their lives." ~ 5 Star Review, Jeanne B., Amazon

Good-bye Baby Max: "[Good-bye, Baby Max] is a tender story about death, a tough topic for young children. Kindergarteners eagerly await spring and the hatching of the class' three chick eggs. But one chick, Max, dies. What ensues is a gentle exploration of grief and its many expressions -- from tears to songs to artwork. At the end, the surviving chicks' peeps encourage the children to embrace the living without forgetting the dead." ~ Michele Siuda Jacques, Detroit Free Press

About the Author: Diane Cantrell

Diane Cantrell began her career in education teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Transitional First Grade. She also worked as a counselor providing assistance to parenting teens in a local school district. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Diane has provided therapy for adults, families, and children in agencies and private practice settings. As part of her private practice, she offers parent training to her clients and to parents in local schools. Diane is presently writing and publishing children’s books as well as provides counseling services to adults and children in her private practice, Life Designs Counseling.
Diane’s time at Fort Sam Houston I.S.D. provided inspiration for Good-bye, Baby Max. The book, which is based on a true story, describes how Ms. B helps her kindergarten class cope with the loss of a classroom pet. At the time Diane wrote the book she was working with many children who were experiencing a great deal of loss in their lives. Her hope in writing Good-bye, Baby Max was that the story would help parents, children, and other caring professionals begin talking about losses rather than responding to their losses from a state of fear. Her second book, Riley’s Lost Tooth, was written for her granddaughter, Riley as a Valentine’s Day present. Mr. Lee, and Sunday are main characters in the book as is Precious, who died before the book was written.
When Diane is not involved in writing or listening to people’s stories, she enjoys being with her husband, Rich, and their two dogs, Sunday and Mr. Lee. Diane and Rich live in San Antonio, Texas.

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $100 AmazongGift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: January 20th to February 19th, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Diane Cantrell and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

Can your teen be transformed in 40 days? The answer is yes! Think 4:8: 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life for Teens by Tommy Newberry is a great book for teens. It leads them through 40 days of a joy-filled life. Think 4:8: 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life for Teens is a transformational journey that will forever change the way your teen looks at life.

I was excited to receive this book to review although my grandson is still a pre-teen, I wanted to give him a head start in life. I wanted him to experience a joy-filled life. To be honest, I'd never heard of Think 4:8 until I received the book. My grandson and I actually began reading it together and it's not only inspirational, but motivational.

Whether you have a troubled teen or a teen who might need a little push in the right direction Think 4:8: 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life for Teens should be on their reading list.

About Author Tommy Newberry:

Tommy Newberry is the founder and head coach of The 1% Club, an organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and their families maximize their full potential. As a pioneer in the life-coaching field since 1991, he has equipped business leaders in more than 30 industries to work less, earn more, and enjoy greater satisfaction with the right accomplishments.

Tommy is the author of The 4:8 Principle, Success Is Not an Accident, 366 Days of Wisdom and Inspiration, and numerous audio programs, including the best-selling "virtual coaching" series Success Is Not an Accident: Secrets of the Top 1%. Known for his blunt, highly practical, and no-nonsense coaching style, Tommy has earned the title of America's Success Coach. His passion for developing the whole person is clearly evident throughout his live workshops, keynote presentations, books, and audio courses. Tommy's annual Couples Planning Retreat takes world-class planning tools into the family realm, showing husbands and wives how to design a more balanced, simplified, and enriching life together.

An avid goal setter, Tommy has earned certification as an emergency medical technician and PADI rescue diver. He has also earned a black belt in the Korean martial art of choi kwang do. Tommy lives in Atlanta with his wife, Kristin, and their three boys.

About the book:

The best-selling author of The 4:8 Principle and 40 Days to a Joy-filled Life returns with a special edition for teens. In just 40 days, teens can change their minds and their attitudes. Tommy Newberry, together with writer Lyn Smith, takes teens from thinking negatively to thinking positively, which will change their entire outlook on life. Not only will this devotional make teens think more positively and have a better attitude, this devotional also points teens to Scripture and helps them understand more about God. The devotions not only help teens understand how their thought life determines their perspective, but they also help them focus their minds on godly truths so they can live out their faith.

This book is the perfect way for teens to get a new attitude and start living a fulfilling, joy-filled life in just 40 days.

The best wisdom comes from experience. Here Dr. Randal Wright has compiled the experiences of over 500 adults and their responses to his question: What parenting worked and what didn’t work in your parent’s home? Each chapter is based on the most commonly repeated mistakes and successes to help you become the successful parent you want to be.

Meet the Author:

Randal Wright has been fascinated by the study of families for many years. Seeking ways to raise righteous children led to his receiving a B.S. and M.S. with emphasis in the family area and then a Ph.D. in Family Studies from Brigham Young University. He worked for many years as an Institute director for the Church Education System and taught at BYU in the religion department. He has written several books in the past on family topics including Families in Danger: Protecting Your Family in an X-rated World, Building Better Homes and Families and The Case for Chastity: Helping Youth Stay Morally Clean. He has spoken across the United States, Canada and England and has been a frequent speaker at BYU Campus Education Week and the Especially for Youth program for many years. Randal and his wife Wendy live in Austin, Texas and are the parents of five children and sixteen grandchildren.

There are many great parenting books out there, but a lot fall short. Although Power Parenting in the LDS Home is geared toward the LDS parent, this book is a must have for every Christian parent! It's a book about parenting mistakes and the answers to how you can learn from them from parent's who have been there. If you have a shelf filled with parenting books collecting dust, then pick up a copy of Power Parenting in the LDS Home and start fresh with new ideas, renewed hope, and faith that you can learn from your parenting mistakes.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The New Year, New You Sweepstakes has launched! Stay fit & fresh this year with help from Purex. Enter to WIN a Basis Fitness Tracker & a year’s supply of Purex Crystals! Purex Crystals do not interfere with moisture wicking fabric; they work great for all your sportswear! Let Purex help you stick to your resolution this year. Enter below for your chance to WIN!

Sweepstakes starts on or about 12:00 PM Pacific Time (“PT”) on January 6, 2014 (“Start Date”) and ends at 3:00 PM PT on January 31, 2014 (“End Date”) (“Promotion Period”). All time referenced herein is Pacific Time. Administrator’s clock is the official time keeping device for the Promotion.

In a world that's filled with so much anger and destruction, I want my grandson to realize and understand that every day is a blessing. Every Day a Blessing A Year of God's Love devotional is filled with with many blessings that helps enrich his life and helps him understand that life is filled with daily blessing regardless of how big or small.This wonderful devotional is geared toward children ages 6-10, but everyone can benefit from the wonderful blessings inside. You can purchase a copy for $16.99 or enter to win a copy here.I'd love to hear how you make every day a blessing in your home or maybe share ways your kids come up with to bless someone around them today

Description

Spend an entire year of discovering God’s blessings, and develop a lifetime of gratitude.

God loves everyone, and one way He shows His love is through showering us with blessings! Whether it’s with parents who love us, warm sunshine, or the ultimate blessing of His Son, Jesus, God's love is everywhere. When kids see that God is the source of all blessings, it reminds them that all gifts truly do come from God.

Children will learn to not only see God’s blessings in happy days, but to see His loving hand in hard days as well. Developing a habit of giving thanks in all circumstances will lead children to a lifelong spirit of gratitude.

Each devotion features Scripture and a bite-sized message that will keep the attention of young minds. Devotions also have a takeaway to help children engage with the message and apply its meaning to their lives.

As a parent, I have to be honest, sometimes I feel my teenager is going down the wrong path. With so much peer pressure it's scary to think my grandson may be headed in the wrong direction. I know teenagers aren't perfect and they need a push in the right direction that's why I'm glad I got a copy of Max Lucado's One God One Plan One Life.This 365 devotional is the perfect roadmap for teens ages 13-17. It helps teens to cut through life’s distractions and rely on the one thing that is truly important—a relationship with God.My grandson loves it and starts his day every morning reading a devotional. If you have a tween or teen, then you need this book! One God One Plan One Life has to be one of the best teen devotional's out there to lead your child onto the right path. You can purchase a copy for only $15.99 or enter to win a copy here.I'd love to hear your thoughts on what's the biggest struggle for your teen when it comes to them seeing their future potential? How do you encourage your teen to live one day at a time? or just share your teen's favorite saying for staying positive.

Description

One of America’s favorite pastors, Max Lucado offers his first 365 devotional for teens, encouraging them to trust God and His perfect plan for their lives.

Life is hard, and today’s teens could use daily guidance and reassurance that God is with them, through it all and despite it all. In One God, One Plan, One Life, bestselling author Max Lucado offers teens an accessible way to connect with their Lord. Daily devotions address such topics as faith and obedience but also offer wisdom on topics that teens battle, such as purity, bullying, alcohol and drug use, and self-image. Each day includes a short devotion and accompanying scripture as well as a take-away application that will inspire and challenge teens to trust in God and His plans for them.

One God, One Plan, One Life helps teens to cut through life’s distractions and rely on the one thing that is truly important—a relationship with God.

Features & Benefits:

Max’s first 365 devotional for teens and tweens

365 scriptures, devotional thoughts, and life-shaping applications

Encourages daily quiet time and developing a personal relationship with God

Disclosure: I received resources from Tommy Nelson in exchange for this review. However, all opinions are my own.

Do you have a little princess in your life? Although, I no longer have a little princess I chose this book for my daughter. This book is geared toward little girls ages 4-7, but even older girls will enjoy this wonderful book of devotionals at bedtime. God's Little Princess® Bedtime Devotional allows you to spend quality bedtime with your little princess and share special memories and encouraging devotionals.We give God's Little Princess® Bedtime Devotional five stars. This book is the perfect bedtime devotional for any little princess in your life. You can pick up a copy for only $14.99 or enter to win a copy here.

Description

A great combination of bedtime theme, encouraging and age-appropriate devotions, and the bestselling God’s Little Princess® brand, all wrapped up in a creative, sparkly cover is, sure to be a hit.

Bedtime means special moments to share between a parent and daughter, and God’s Little Princess Bedtime Devotional will help settle her heart and mind as she heads to bed. Bestselling author Sheila Walsh offers 106 daily devotions: each with a scripture, a short thought, a rhyming prayer, and a “Good Night Giggles and Grace” activity that will send every little princess off to bed full of smiles, feeling loved and secure.

Features & Benefits:

Sparkly, embellished cover that girls will love

Combines the popular princess and the bestselling bedtime themes

106 devotions, prayers, scriptures, and inspirational thoughts

Adorable full-color art throughout

More than 2.8 million products sold in the God’s Little Princess® brand

I'd love for you to share your kids' bedtime routine or tell me the funniest thing you've ever heard your children pray for before bed!

The Get a Clean Start Sweepstakes has launched!Let Purex start your new year off in style! They’ll take care of your new wardrobe and detergent needs for all of 2014. Enter to WIN $1,000 towards a new wardrobe and a year’s supply of Purex detergent by entering the Get A Clean Start To 2014 with Purex Sweepstakes. There will be one grand prize winner. Sweepstakes ends Jan. 31st, 2014 Good luck!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I received compensation for this post.

In a few short months a lot of parents will be thinking about college. Along with the cost of tuition on their minds is also the cost of books. As seniors get ready to graduate, the cost associated with college begins to sink in.

Not only do you have to worry about tuition, living expenses, but the cost of book. Let's face it, college books are not cheap! CampusBookRentals.com has the perfect solution to fit any college budget. With Campus Book Rentals, parents and students don't have to worry about the hassle of purchasing expensive books that will be used only once a semester.

You get great deals which include: saving 40-90% off of bookstore prices, free shipping both ways and flexible renting periods. These are just a few of the great perks of renting books from Campus Book Rentals.

RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options! (selling their books back at the end of the semester) Isn't that awesome?

Not many "bookstores" do what Campus Book Rentals do: They donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented.

Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles, forever changing their lives. They're a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Before you spend your hard earned money on books be sure to check out the great resources at CampusBookRentals.com or if you've already purchased books check out RentBack.com. Whatever you decide remember you're also helping Operation Smile.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

If you're like me and have an young adult in the house they love to read! The Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader is the perfect solution to their reading needs. I'm giving away an advanced copy of Death’s Academy by Michael Bast.

The Death's Academy entrance exam for Midnight Smith is quickly approaching. There's just one problem: Midnight is the worst exam taker the academy has ever seen. If Midnight wants to ever step foot inside the school, he'll have to join forces with the hated Guardian Angels, and together face the deadliest creatures in the world--the dreaded Unicorns. Becoming a Grim Reaper has never been more hilarious!

Meet the Author:

Unlike Mowgli from the Jungle Book, MICHAEL BAST was not raised by a den of wolves… it was a mob of meerkats. This has proven to be both problematic and beneficial later in life. A problem because he has an insatiable desire to tunnel in his backyard, costing him thousands of dollars in sprinkler repair. A benefit because he can scratch behind both ears with either foot.

Michael lives in the deserts of Arizona with his wife and four kids. Each day between Cinco de Mayo and Halloween he curses his decision to live in 110-degree heat.

My 10 year old loves this book, although it's geared for YA's, this is a great read and we gave it 5 stars. You can find out more about Death’s Academy on FB or purchase a copy for only $11.99 at Amazon.com

One lucky Parenting with Purpose reader can win an advanced copy just by entering the rafflecopter below. US only. After you enter, be sure to stop by the other great blogs for great prizes!